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Everglades area WMAs once again open to public

News Release

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Media contact: Carli Segelson, 561-882-5703

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has rescinded a previously issued executive order that established special restrictions on portions of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

The order, which takes effect Oct. 18, once again permits public access to these three WMAs, which lie in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

However, because the high-water event caused extreme stress to area wildlife, the general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons are canceled for this year. The archery and muzzleloading seasons have already been canceled as a result of this continued high-water event.

During high-water events, area wildlife seek refuge on tree islands and levees. The long duration of this high-water event caused more stress than usual for these animals, resulting in a prolonged recovery period.

This order does not apply to people permitted to participate in the statewide alligator and migratory bird hunts.

For updated closure and reopening information, visit MyFWC.com/DisasterPlan and click on “Open/Closed Status of FWC Offices and FWC-managed Areas.” If you have additional questions, please call the FWC’s South Regional Office at 561-625-5122.

To see the executive order, go to MyFWC.com/About and select “Inside FWC” then “Learn more about the Executive Director’s Office.”

To report a violation of this order, or any fish and wildlife law violation, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-3922.